Overview
The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX is a PCI-based network interface card designed to bridge Windows-based computers with Allen-Bradley legacy industrial control networks. This card supports multiple communication protocols, including Data Highway Plus (DH+), Data Highway 485 (DH-485), and Remote I/O (RIO), enabling PCs to interface with legacy Allen-Bradley PLCs and I/O systems. The 1784-PKTX delivers reliable connectivity for programming, monitoring, diagnostics, and data acquisition in existing automation environments.
Key Features
- Dual-Channel Architecture: 2 independent DH+/RIO channels with simultaneous multi-device communication capability
- Multiple Network Protocols: Channel 1A features a 3-pin Phoenix connector for DH+ and RIO, and Channel 1C features a 6-pin Phoenix connector for DH-485
- Plug-and-Play Installation: PCI Plug and Play functionality with automatic IRQ and base memory address assignment—no switches or jumpers required
- Diagnostic Indicators: LEDs for network status and diagnostics per channel
- High-Speed Data Rates: DH+/RIO achieves 57.6K bit/s up to 10,000 ft, 115.2K bit/s up to 5,000 ft, and 230.4K bit/s up to 2,500 ft. DH-485 operates up to 4,000 ft at speeds of 1200 to 19,200 bits/s
Technical Specifications
Hardware & Interface:
- Bus Type: PCI 2.3 Compliant
- Form Factor: Full-height PCI card
- Channels: 2 independent (DH+/RIO and DH-485)
- Communication Connectors: 3-pin and 6-pin Phoenix-style
- Current Draw: Approximately 0.5 A
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 60°C
- Environmental Shock/Vibration: 30G shock and 2G vibration at 10-500 Hz
Typical Applications
The 1784-PKTX is ideal for:
- Legacy PLC system programming and firmware updates over DH+ networks
- Remote I/O scanner operations and diagnostics
- Historical data acquisition and migration from PLC-5, SLC 500, and other legacy controllers
- Maintenance and troubleshooting of installed industrial networks
- Integration of legacy automation equipment into supervisory or HMI systems
- Support for older industrial facilities requiring continued DH+ or DH-485 connectivity
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- PLC-5, PLC-5/250, and SLC 5/04 processors; SLC 5/01, SLC 5/02, and SLC 5/03 processors (via 1785-KA5 adapter)
- Windows 95, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 operating systems
- Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (DH+) networks
- Allen-Bradley Remote I/O (RIO) networks
- DH-485 networks
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Earlier 1784-PKTx Series A cards
- Legacy PCI network interfaces for Allen-Bradley DH+ systems
- Verify compatibility with your system integrator for specific upgrade scenarios
Works With
- RSLinx Classic (Rockwell Automation communications platform)
- RSLogix 5 and RSLogix 500 programming software
- Data Highway Plus (DH+) protocol stack
- Remote I/O (RIO) scanner operations
- DH-485 serial communication networks
- Windows-based PLC programming and monitoring applications
